The move for the £180m scheme between Sparkford and Ilchester follows the release of the preferred route for the £1.6bn upgrade of the A303 further up the road near Stonehenge.

Three-mile dualling includes a bridge at Steart Hill „ and an underbridge at Traits Lane

Jim O’Sullivan, Highways England chief executive, said: “We now look forward to continue to work with our partners and the local community to develop more detailed proposals to start construction in 2020.”

The Government is committed to upgrading all remaining sections of the A303 between the M3 and M5 to dual carriageway standard, starting with three schemes: those on the A303 at Stonehenge and between Sparkford and Ilchester, and the third on the A358 between Taunton and Southfields.

Formal consultation is due to take place early next year along with the submission of a development consent order planning application.